iPhone Will Soon Support a Wireless Charging Standard

iOS 17.2 Unleashes Qi2 Wireless Charging for iPhones

Apple is gearing up to roll out the iOS 17.2 update, with a notable feature that captures the tech community's attention. The update includes support for Qi2 wireless charging, a new standard developed by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC). The highlight of Qi2 lies in its magnetic attachment capability, similar to Apple's MagSafe technology.

Qi2 chargers utilize a Magnetic Power Profile (MPP) feature, ensuring a secure and consistent magnetic connection to compatible devices. Initially, the charging speed will match MagSafe at 15W, but the WPC promises future iterations with increased power, potentially rivaling the speed of wired fast charging.

The significance of Qi2 extends beyond Apple devices, as it allows both Android and Apple smartphones to magnetically attach to Qi2-compatible chargers. This development opens up possibilities for third-party manufacturers to create affordable wireless chargers without the added "Apple tax."

For iPhone users invested in MagSafe, Qi2 might seem incremental, but it holds promise for the broader landscape of wireless charging accessories. Non-MagSafe Qi chargers are currently limited to 7.5W, making Qi2 a welcome enhancement with consistent 15W output, matching MagSafe speeds. This opens the door to more affordable third-party options, potentially priced around $15 to $20.

Despite the anticipation, users must wait for Qi2 chargers to hit the market. Upon updating to iOS 17.2, iPhone 13 or newer users will gain support for a wireless charging standard that, as of now, lacks available chargers. However, industry watchers expect the introduction of Qi2 chargers in the near future, offering a new era of magnetic wireless charging for a broader range of devices.